advanced open water nitrox diver here. i would start budgeting or planning a dive trip now. it's no use in doing all that stuff and sitting on it like i did for the first 9 months or so after i got my open water. fly somewhere warm and dive! key west has some great domestic diving and pretty accessible from anywhere. costa rica and mexico can be had pretty cheaply and offers great diving this time of year.

advanced open water nitrox diver here. i would start budgeting or planning a dive trip now. it's no use in doing all that stuff and sitting on it like i did for the first 9 months or so after i got my open water. fly somewhere warm and dive! key west has some great domestic diving and pretty accessible from anywhere. costa rica and mexico can be had pretty cheaply and offers great diving this time of year.

+1. go ASAP! Just make sure that whatever equipment you get (if you don't have your own) is not sketchy or looks poorly maintained. That is my number 1 rule.

I dived in Thailand, Malaysia and The Bahamas... such a good feeling and so peaceful.

I dive. If you plan on diving more than 8 days a year, buy your own gear.

Like the others have said you need to start planing trips. You should check out Cozumel, it's cheap and despite being beaten to hell from careless divers, it's still at the top of my list for value on a quick trip. I typically stay here www.scubaclubcozumel.com It's a very no frills place, all meals included, and their dive operation is really good.

I learned in Cozumel, Mexico and did a trip in the Philippines. One of the BEST experiences you will ever have. Its a totally different world down there. As a beginner, I advice to get your own mask. Most of the rentals are worn out. Enjoy.

I learned in Cozumel, Mexico and did a trip in the Philippines. One of the BEST experiences you will ever have. Its a totally different world down there. As a beginner, I advice to get your own mask. Most of the rentals are worn out. Enjoy.

I'm going to finish my open water certification in Cozumel over the Christmas holiday! I'm super excited. It'll definitely be an experience to remember.

I was going to get my cert then found out I needed surgery on my ear. BUMMER!!!!!

ear problems are nothing to mess with. my cousin dove despite the advice of her doctor (she's deaf in one ear from a brain tumor) and fucked up her good ear for months. not only that, but my old skydiving instructor burst his ear drum likely due to the great pressure differentials he was putting his body though every other day. sometimes it's best to not dive if you have any history of ear problems at all.

I learned in Cozumel, Mexico and did a trip in the Philippines. One of the BEST experiences you will ever have. Its a totally different world down there. As a beginner, I advice to get your own mask. Most of the rentals are worn out. Enjoy.

yeah in the class i am in, the package we bought let me choose my own flippers, mask, snorkel, boots, and a dive book

Going to take the exam and the final learning points Thursday and then I will be in Florida finishing the testing up and then I will be good to go. I believe my dad (since he is the one who got me and my brothers into this) is already planning a few trips for us.

I found out about the nassau one where they feed the sharks above you which would be amazing to watch. Also, the one in Epcot (The Living Seas) would be sweet as well

Very big into diving, if you enjoy it, take a "cave diving" lessons, even if you're not going to be cave diving, some GREAT stuff to learn that is more advance then the basic open water stuff.

Yeah emphasis on "lessons".

Don't go out cave diving without a dive master or instructor unless you're incredibly seasoned and know the particular caves and current behaviors in that area. A couple people got killed when they thought it was a good idea to go cave diving just after they got their open water certs in Oki.

Don't go out cave diving without a dive master or instructor unless you're incredibly seasoned and know the particular caves and current behaviors in that area. A couple people got killed when they thought it was a good idea to go cave diving just after they got their open water certs in Oki.